Wrong Wood Waste – Wrong Place

Nicky Cunningham, deputy director for waste regulation at the Environment Agency, looks at wood waste and its correct treatment, and the role of waste producers, in an article that was first published in the July issue of the CIWM Journal.

The problem? Wood is often treated with chemicals, which can include inorganic substances, such as arsenic, or organics, such as cresols. Our evidence shows treated waste wood is being used for unsuitable purposes, including unabated fuel burners and composting.

The unregulated presence of chemical treatments in wood waste can also add costs to the recycling process and potentially undermine recycled product quality. We are also seeing large stockpiles of waste wood, which increases the risk of fires. Read the full article here